Dr Boz MD

[snapqueen]

Has anyone heard of Dr. Boz, MD. She's all over YouTube recommending a Ketogenic diet for people with CKD.

[Hidden]

I know nothing about this doctor. What I do know is that there is no one size fits all meal plan for people with CKD.

That's why when a person is diagnosed you set up an appointment with a renal dietitian and bring as many hard copies of your lab tests and develop a meal plan that will be designed specifically for you.

[snapqueen in reply to Hidden]

That's what I've decided. I am on my second nephrologist. My eGFR is sliding down through the 40's over the past two years but both keep telling me there is nothing to worry about yet. My newest doctor is at Stanford but has never suggested I see a dietician. I asked her today to please refer me to a renal dietician. I think there is a lot of contradicting information out there and it's difficult to be sure what's the best advice to follow.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to snapqueen]

Hi Snapqueen,

I agree with Mr._ Kidney about looking into meeting with a renal dietician.

Seeing a dietician can only be in your best interest as based on your labs, will make food suggestions to you which are nutritious, healthy and appetizing. If your doctor is unable to recommend someone, call the patient care coordinator at your medical group or local hospital and ask for the name of the dietician who deals with renal patients.

Another thought is to see if there is a Davita driving distance from your home. They offer a 90 minute very informative Smart Class for kidney patients at no charge. Davita has renal dieticians on their premises as well as other resources. I, as well as many members of the community have been participants in this class

Candidly, any diet; particularly those which overloaded or eliminated food groups such as Ketogenic, should be avoided without the approval of your doctor.

Foods and quantities which are good for one person, may not be as effective for another.

Kidney patients generally formulate a lifestyle based on low sodium ( 1500-2000mg daily) no red meats, processed foods such as canned soups and cold cuts, low protein and adjusted levels of potassium, phosphorus, plenty of water, fresh or fresh frozen vegetables , fruits such as strawberries, apples, blueberries and some exercise.

NASID's should be avoided as well as dark colas and over sugared products.

The first line of discussion should be with your doctor.

Don't be afraid to seek another opinion if your doctor is not listening to you, answering your questions, explaining in basic language and willing to communicate with the other members of your health care team.

Like yourself, it took me several tries to find a competent nephrologist. It will happen. I would have an open discussion with your PCP about your concerns; perhaps he/ she will be able to refer you to someone who they respect.

Start with your PCP and go from there.

This is a process with the goal to slow progression. Takes time.

Please reach out at any time as one of us will always reach back. We are here to support!

Stay safe in these crazy times and positive!

It will all work out!

Bet

[rabbit01 in reply to snapqueen]

Good for you changing! I am in UK where we have an overstretched public health system so it is very difficult to change specialist doctors. I made the mistake of sticking with my nephrologist who never prescribed anything for my kidney disease. I ended up on dialysis but I am convinced it could have been delayed by proper medical care.

Diet is certainly of key importance but is often overlooked by doctors.

Personally I feel that this is because it is complicated and unique and they either don't have the time to study the results or they don't believe people will stick to the diet. I met with the same reluctance over here to be referred to a renal dietician despite asking.

[shortmat in reply to rabbit01]

I too asked my GP for a referal to a renal dietician & was refused. The good old NHS is not so good after all!

[rabbit01 in reply to shortmat]

I was fobbed off initially by the nephrologist but he was just hopeless in any case. More interested about his holidays than his patients. But after continuing to push I did get to do a telephone call with a renal dietician. To be honest it was disappointing. She just spoke in general terms about lowering salt and reducing red meat. Didn't even have a copy of my blood work. It is ridiculous as dialysis costs a lot not to mention that I am now out of work as I am doing it 4 times a day. So you would think that the NHS would be trying their hardest to delay dialysis. Some people may have a better experience but in my case there was no effort at all. I learned more on here about CKD than I did from my doctor !

[My_Kidneys]

I see that Dr. Boz is selling many keto diet supplements and books over the internet. There are some risks associated with the keto diet. I would consult with my doctor or dietitian before starting a keto diet. Quoted from a well footnoted article, "7Potential Dangers of the Keto Diet" healthline.com/nutrition/da... "Due to these risks, individuals with kidney disease, diabetes, heart or bone ailments, or other medical conditions should speak to their healthcare provider before trying the keto diet." I agree.

[snapqueen]

Until I have my appointment with the renal dietician, I think I will limit my carbs by focusing on eating more vegetables. Right now I have lots of green beans and zucchini in my garden. And definitely watch my sugar in take. I have been switching to a more plant based diet over the past six months and not eating red meat, but that involves a lot more grains. I had gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy, but that was almost 50 years ago! Thinking for me now, that sugar might be the most harmful for my kidneys. Thank you all for the support and input.